Dermatologist Paul Becker awarded Golden Deed
The North Spokane Exchange Club has awarded its annual Golden Deed award to Dr. Paul Becker, a north Spokane dermatologist.
Becker received the award on May 8 for his longtime service to the community and the donation of his time and resources to various local charities.
The club commended him as a person who emulates the principles of the Golden Deed award, which recognizes individuals with courage, self-sacrifice, compassion and a genuine interest in helping their fellow man.
In 1996, Becker set up a program at his clinic to treat patients for a set fee that is donated to the charity of choice of either the patient or the doctor.
Word of mouth spread; soon, patients were calling to see the doctor, who spends two afternoons each week and often his days off to work with these patients. He also purchased a laser machine with his own funds for this particular purpose.
The proceeds from these treatments go entirely to local charities, including the Hutton Settlement, Transitional Living Center for Women with Children, Morning Star Boys Ranch and Union Gospel Mission. Over 11 years, Becker has donated a large sum of his time and raised much-needed funds for these charities.
Asked how he came to start this program, Becker said that in 1996, he attended a church retreat led by a Vicentian priest, whose primary mission is to care for less-fortunate members of society. Becker said he was deeply moved by the priest’s message and wanted to do something significant with his skills and resources.
Becker said he has been very fortunate and blessed with what he has, so he wanted to give back to the community.
” ‘To whom much is given much is expected,’ ” he quotes. “What I do is give my patients the opportunity to help me help others. It is a win-win-win for everybody.
“The patients get treatment. And quite frankly, since I do it off-hour, I often am able to accomplish in one session what normally will take four to six sessions. The patient feels good about giving to charities, I feel good about helping others and the charities get much-needed funds.”
After 32 years of practice, Becker is planning to retire this fall. He said he looks forward to continuing active involvement in his church and traveling in Southeast Asia, where he served as a doctor during the Vietnam War. He also plans to do some teaching and maybe part-time consulting.
But whatever Paul Becker does, one thing he knows for sure: He will be actively involved in charity work.